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Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment
Centre Code: 01018

Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment

Assignment Brief

Assignment Part 1
Unit Number and Title Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment
H/650/2917
Unit code

Unit type Core

Unit Level 4

Credit value 15

TQT 150
Assignment Title Part 1: Industry Analysis Factsheets
Assignment title
Academic Year 2024
Unit Tutor Asma Farooq, Anjali Rajeev, Javed, Dr. Sajid Kazmi,
Suklatithi, Tanishq Misra, Arun Bhaskaran
Issue Date 2nd September 2024
Assignment Brief 15th August 2024
Internally Verified
13th October 2024: Submission for Part B (LO3 and LO4
Presentation
submission date in PowerPoint format) upload via the Turnitin link.
Presentation Delivery will commence from 14th October
2024 onwards.
Assignment 2nd December 2024: Submission for Part A - LO1 and LO2
submission date (Ms Word Document should be uploaded via the Turnitin
link).
Unit introduction
The aim of this unit is to provide students with background knowledge and understanding of
business, the functions of an organisation and the wider business environments in which
organisations operate. Students will examine the different types of organisations (including for-profit
and not-for-profit), their size and scope (for instance, micro, SME, transnational and global) and
how they operate. Students will explore the relationships that organisations have with their various
stakeholders and how the wider external environments influence and shape business decision-
making. The knowledge, understanding and skill sets that students gain in this unit will help them to
have an insight into different business functions, which will support them with further study, support
the development of analytical thinking and the application of key analytical tools used throughout

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Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment
Centre Code: 01018

business planning, and enable them to choose their preferred areas of specialism in future studies
and in their professional career.

Part 1

Submission Format

Submission Format Part 1:

The submission is in the form of a portfolio of factsheets and an organisational flow chart
document. The factsheets should be written concisely to summarise and highlight key information
and data. You are required to make use of headings, paragraphs and sub-sections as appropriate.
All work must be supported with research and referenced correctly using the Harvard referencing
system (or an alternative referencing system). You will also need to provide a bibliography using
the Harvard referencing system (or an alternative referencing system). Inaccurate use of
referencing may lead to issues of plagiarism if not applied correctly. The recommended word limit
for the factsheets is 3000 words.

Unit Learning Outcomes

LO1 Explain the different types, size and scope of organisations.
LO2 Discuss the interrelationship of the various functions within an organisation and how they link
to organisational structure.

Transferable skills and competencies developed

● Analytical skills to conduct own analysis to draw conclusions.

● The ability to provide information based on collation, analysis and interpretation of

data.
● Creative thinking for presenting information and data in a simplified and informative
manners.
● Digital skills, using different software applications to visually present information and
data concisely.
● Communicating effectively in all forms, written, visual and oral, for operating efficiently
in the international business environment.

Vocational scenario - Part 1

Industry Analysis Factsheets
Business Case / Vocational Scenario Covering:
Chosen Organisation – for example
choose more than one organisation
For example, Admiral Sportswear company is engaged in the design, development,

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Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment
Centre Code: 01018

manufacturing, worldwide marketing and sales of sports footwear, apparel, equipment,

accessories and services. As of 2024, the company employed more than 75,400 people
worldwide and the company brand alone was valued in excess of $32 billion, making it the most
valuable brand among sports businesses. Strategic Planning teams keep the company moving in
the right direction by leading the strategic business planning process and spearheading
transformational projects across the businesses and geographies. Embedded in teams across
the company, strategy professionals explore complex business issues; conduct consumer,
competitive and market analyses; create financial models and develop action plans. The
Strategic Planning teams help write the future of sport by charting the company’s path forward.
Role You are employed as a Junior Insights Strategist for the Strategic Planning team. The team
acts as a key partner to senior leaders, the executive team, and the CEO. It provides thought
leadership and an external perspective on the most critical strategic initiatives and pressing
challenges facing the company.
Role
Your key roles include the following:
• supporting data and business analyses to develop business plans
• measuring business performance to compare actual data to forecasted values
• executing market research projects and gathering intelligence on current industry, technology,
and consumer trends.

Assignment activity and guidance

You have been tasked with conducting an industry analysis that focuses on the sports industry in
order to gain access to industry perspectives, best practices from other high-performance
companies and insight into high-growth sectors. You will present your analysis to your line manager
and to the management team. The industry analysis will involve research and analysis of overall
market size (international and national) and different sub-sectors (public, private, voluntary), and
the organisational mapping of one of the highest-performing companies. Organisations to be
considered will include public (national and local sports organisations, local leisure centres), private
(gyms, sporting goods, retailers, manufacturers) and voluntary (local clubs and teams).
You will present this industry analysis as a portfolio of ‘insights’ factsheets, to include:
1. an introduction to sub-sectors and the different types of organisations in the industry, the
market size and the growth of the international business environment
2. a factsheet for a selected sub-sector organisation, with explanation of each of the chosen
organisations, including background details of the organisation; the products and services they
supply; the size and scope of the organisation; their vision, mission and business objectives; the
organisational and legal structure and information about their stakeholders. For business modelling
purposes, you will also need to examine the various business functions in one organisation and

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Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment
Centre Code: 01018

create an organisational chart to explore the interrelationships between the different functions.
In addition to the ‘insights’ factsheets, you will present an organisational flow chart that
shows:
3. an analysis for the chosen organisations, using visual mapping to show how internal
departments, for example. finance, marketing, work together to meet business objectives and how
interrelationships are defined by the structure of the organisation; present the advantages and
disadvantages
4. conclusions based on critical impact analysis of different business structures and the
interrelationships between internal departments in successfully fulfilling overall business objectives.
Grading Criteria Part 1
Recommended Resources
Please note that the resources listed are examples for you to use as a starting point in your
research – the list is not definitive.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Pass Merit Distinction

LO1 Explain the different types, size and scope of

organisations.

P1 Explain different types M1 Analyse how the LO1 and LO2

and purposes of structure, size and scope of
organisations; public, different organisations link to D1 Provide critical analysis of the
private and voluntary the business objectives and complexities of different
sectors and legal product and services offered organisations and structures.
structures. by the organisations.

P2 Explain the size and

scope of a range of
different types of
organisations.

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Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment
Centre Code: 01018

LO2 Discuss the interrelationship of the various functions in

an organisation and how they link to organisational
structure.

P3 Discuss the relationship M2 Analyse the

between different interrelationships
organisational functions and between organisational
how they link to functions and the impact
organisational objectives these can have on
and structure. organisational structure.

Assignment Part 2

Unit Number and Title Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment

H/650/2917
Unit code

Unit type Core

Unit Level 4

Credit value 15

TQT 150
Assignment Title Part 2: Environmental Business Audit
Assignment title
Presentation
Academic Year 2024
Unit Tutor Asma Farooq, Anjali Rajeev, Javed, Dr. Sajid Kazmi,

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Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment
Centre Code: 01018

Suklatithi, Tanishq Misra, Arun Bhaskaran

2nd September 2024
Issue Date
Submission Date 13th October 2024: Submission for Part B (LO3 and LO4
in PowerPoint format) upload via the Turnitin link.
Presentation Delivery will commence from 14th October
2024 onwards.
Unit introduction
The aim of this unit is to provide students with background knowledge and understanding of
business, the functions of an organisation and the wider business environments in which
organisations operate. Students will examine the different types of organisations (including for profit
and not for profit), their size and scope (for instance, micro, SME, transnational and global) and
how they operate. Students will explore the relationships that organisations have with their various
stakeholders and how the wider external environments influence and shape business decision-
making. The knowledge, understanding and skill sets that students gain in this unit will help them to
have an insight into different business functions, which will support them with further study, support
the development of analytical thinking and the application of key analytical tools used throughout
business planning, and enable them to choose their preferred areas of specialism in future studies
and in their professional career.

Submission Format for Part 2

Submission is in the form of 10 minutes for presentation and five minutes for questions. The
presentation slides for the findings should be submitted along with speaker notes as one copy. You
are required to make effective use of PowerPoint headings, bullet points and subsections as
appropriate. Your research should be referenced using the Harvard referencing system (or an
alternative referencing system). Inaccurate use of referencing may lead to issues of plagiarism if
not applied correctly. The recommended word limit is 3000 words, including speaker notes,
although you will not be penalised for going under or exceeding the total word limit.

Unit Learning Outcomes

LO3 Use contemporary examples to demonstrate both the positive and negative influence/impact
the macro environment has on business operations.
LO4 Determine the internal strengths and weaknesses of specific businesses and their
interrelationship with external macro factors.

Transferable skills and competencies developed

● Analytical skills to conduct own analysis in order to draw conclusions.

● Providing information based on collation, analysis and interpretation of data.

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Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment
Centre Code: 01018

● Creative thinking for presenting information and data in a simplified and informative
manners.
● Digital skills, using different software applications to visually present information and
data concisely.
● Communicating effectively in all forms, written, visual and oral, for operating efficiently
in the international business environment.
Part 2: Vocational Scenario
Environmental Business Audit Presentation
Business Case / Vocational Scenario Covering:
Chosen Organisation: Admiral Sportswear
In your role as Junior Insights Strategist, you have completed the industry insight analysis, and
your line manager has now given you another project. This is to complete research into the
external and internal business environment. The sports company, Admiral Sportswear is looking
to expand their distribution channels to include both e-commerce players (for example Google
shopping) and physical retailers (for example JD Sports). To enable the company to make any
strategic decisions, they need you to present a business case to the leadership team. You can
also choose a company/organisation of your own choice.

Assignment & guidance activities

Completion of the project will involve a PESTLE analysis to research the sports retail
market, develop insights and predict future growth potential in new markets. The project
will also involve a SWOT analysis to determine the company position in the marketplace
and the potential opportunities for distribution expansion while minimising risks and
threats.
Your presentation will include the findings from an external and an internal audit:

● a PESTLE analysis to identify positive and negative impacts of external factors and

influences on the sports retail market, including a ‘traffic light chart’ evaluating level of
competition, funding activity, legal complexity and investment opportunity available.

● a SWOT analysis to explore and explain the organisation’s internal strengths and

weaknesses as a company.

● critical analysis of both the external and internal factors, to determine whether the

organisation should proceed with their expansion plans, presented as conclusions and
recommendations.

Grading Criteria Part 2:

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Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment
Centre Code: 01018

Pass Merit Distinction

LO3: Use contemporary examples to demonstrate both the

positive and negative influence/impact the macro
environment has on business operations.

P4: Identify the positive and M3: Apply appropriately the LO3 and LO4
negative impacts the macro PESTLE model to support a
environment has on business detailed analysis of the D2: Critically evaluate the
operations, supported by macro environment in an impacts that both macro
specific examples. organisation. factors and micro factors
have on business objectives
LO4: Determine the internal strengths and weaknesses of and decision-making.
specific businesses and their interrelationship with external
macro factors.

P5: Conduct internal and M4: Apply appropriately

external analysis of specific SWOT/TOWS analyses and
organisations to identify justify how they influence
strengths and weaknesses. decision-making.

P6: Explain how strengths

and weaknesses interrelate
with external macro factors.

Before you get started, please read the following information very carefully.

Student Guide to Writing an Assignment

This is an assignment guide to help support you while completing your BTEC Assignments.
It includes:
● Assignment writing guidance

● Referencing guidance

Assignment Format/Style

Produce a formal report/paper that addresses all the tasks in the assignment brief. You are encouraged
to use diagrams or tables to illustrate and reinforce your findings, using single space and font size 12.
Any references to academic theory should be correctly cited and referenced in a bibliography at the end
of the report. (Please do not copy and paste information).

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Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment
Centre Code: 01018

✔ Fully completed assignment cover page

✔ Title page

✔ Table of contents

✔ Introduction

✔ Main body of the report clearly identifying the separate outcomes and assessment criteria

✔ Conclusion and recommendations (if relevant)

✔ References and bibliography

✔ Appendices only if relevant and necessary

Assignment Content
The assignment brief includes headings relevant to the unit outcomes, read and follow the tasks listed
under each heading and this will make certain that you cover all the outcomes and assessment criteria to
achieve the unit.

Assessment and Grading

Read the assessment grading criteria before attempting the assignment tasks, as it contains important
information about how you should approach your assignment and how grading is applied in order for you
to achieve a pass, merit or distinction.

Assignment Submission
All assignments must be submitted by the agreed date, via MOODLE. Assignments submitted late, but
with permission, will be marked as a pass only. Assignments submitted late, without permission, will not
be marked until the end of the year, or the next time the unit is scheduled.

Please ensure that your assignment is attached to the assignment submission receipt and that you read
and sign the statement confirming authenticity. Check that all relevant fields are completed fully before
submission.

Assignment Feedback
Once the assessor has marked your assignment, you will receive written feedback, either confirming that
you have met the required standard and grade awarded, or that you have not yet met the standard and
what you need to do to make the necessary improvements. Please note that achieved and confirmation
of grades is provisional until signed off by the Internal Verifier.

Bibliography / References

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Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment
Centre Code: 01018

Please list down “works cited” within the framework of enumerative bibliography – a list of references to
key articles and texts. Verify each reference carefully; the references must correspond to the citations in
the text. The list of references should start on a new page and be listed alphabetically by the name of the
author(s) and then by year, chronologically. Only the first author’s name is inverted. The name of each
author and the title of the citation should be exactly as it appears in the original work. More Information
can be found in the College MOODLE in the General Information about the Harvard Referencing.

Recommended Reading:
Learners must consult College and local national library facilities. In addition, learners need to read the
broadsheet press and weekly business magazines regularly. You should also use relevant internet sites
regularly and identify key influences and recent and relevant research with regard to your subject area.
You should read topical case studies and read about national campaigns and government initiatives in
your area of interest. Following is the list of indicative resource materials.

Recommended Literature & Resources:

*Please note that the resources listed are examples for you to use as a starting point in your research –
the list is not definitive.

Assignment Part 1

HN Global

HN Global (2021) Reading Lists. Available at:

https://hnglobal.highernationals.com/learningzone/reading-lists
HN Global (2021) Student Resource Library. Available at:
https://hnglobal.highernationals.com/subjects/resource-libraries
HN Global (2021) Textbooks. Available at:
https://hnglobal.highernationals.com/textbooks

Weblinks

Allied Market Research (2020) Sports Apparel Market by End User.

Available at:
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/sports-apparel-marketXtensio (2021)

How to Create a Fact Sheet. Available at:

https://xtensio.com/how-to-create-a-fact-sheet

The Sportswear Industry: An Analysis of The Athletic Apparel Market. Available at:
https://creatitive.com/sports-industry-analysis-2019/

HubSpot (2021) 9 Types of Organizational Structure Every Company Should Consider. Available at:
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/team-structure-diagrams

Textbooks

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Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment
Centre Code: 01018

Burns, J. and Needle, D. (2023) Business in Context: An Introduction to Business and its Environment. 8 th
Ed. Andover, Hants: Cengage Learning EMEA.

Worthington, I., Thompson, E. and Britton. C. (2023) The Business Environment. 9th Ed. Harlow:
Pearson.

Assignment Part 2

Weblinks

Plan How to Do a SWOT Analysis for Better Strategic Planning.

Available at:

https://articles.bplans.com/how-to-perform-swot-analysis

Business Balls Swot Analysis Templates.

Available at:

https://www.businessballs.com/strategy-innovation/swot-analysis/

Pestle Analysis.com What is PESTLE Analysis?

Available at:

https://pestleanalysis.com/what-is-pestle-analysis/

Swot analysis of Nike. Available at:

https://bstrategyhub.com/swot-analysis-of-nike-nike-swot-analysis

Textbooks

Morrison, J. (2023) The Global Business Environment: Sustainability in the Balance. 6th Ed. London:
Bloomsbury Publishing.

Wetherley, P. and Otter, D. (2018) The Business Environment: Themes and Issues in a
Globalised World. 4th Ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press

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Student Assessment Submission and Declaration

When submitting evidence for assessment, you must sign a declaration confirming that the work is your
own.

Student
Assessor name:
name:

Submission Submitted
Issue date: date: on:
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Business
Programme:

Unit: Unit 1: The Contemporary Business Environment

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a form of cheating. Plagiarism must be avoided at all costs and students who break the
rules, however innocently, may be penalised. It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand
correct referencing practices. As a university level student, you are expected to use appropriate
references throughout and keep carefully detailed notes of all your sources of materials for material you
have used in your work, including any material downloaded from the Internet. Please consult the relevant
unit lecturer or your course tutor if you need any further advice.

Student declaration
I certify that the evidence submitted for this assignment is my own. I have clearly referenced any sources
and any artificial intelligence (AI) tools used in the work. I understand that false declaration is a form of
malpractice.

Student signature: Date:

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